Southern Ute Tribe wins EPA backing for air permitting program

Monday, March 5, 2012  

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved an air permitting program for the Southern Ute Tribe of Colorado.

The tribe will be able to issue permits and perform inspections at sources of air emissions on the reservation. The effort is primarily directed at oil and gas production.

"EPA approval of this program is an achievement that was envisioned by many past tribal leaders and is the culmination of extensive cooperation among the tribe, EPA, State of Colorado, La Plata County, and oil and gas industry operators," l Chairman Jimmy R. Newton, Jr. said in a press release. "The tribe looks forward to administering the program in a manner that ensures protection of the reservation air shed and contributes positively to regional air quality.”

The permit was issued under the Clean Air Act, which recognizes tribal authority.

Get the Story:
Press Release: EPA approves Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s air permitting program (EPA 3/5)